When you go out to war against your enemies (Devarim 20:1)

This week’s parsha discusses going out to war. The commentators point out that there are two types of wars: a mitzvah war and an optional war. A mitzvah war is when we are fighting against nations which we have been commanded to wipe out (for example, Amalek). An optional war is a war that we can fight to extend our borders. The question is asked: we are not a nation that likes to go to war, so why would we fight optional wars? The answer given is because sometimes a person needs to go on an offensive attack so they are not looked as a wimp. Sometimes a person needs to show his strength so others do not bother him.

BUT, before you start jumping up and down with excitement thinking of all of the people you would like to attack, there is a very important point that must be made. The Jews were only allowed to take part in an optional war if Bais Din allowed it. An optional war could only take place if the great Rabbis of that generation felt it was the correct thing to do. If the Rabbis felt the war was not justified, then it was not allowed to be fought.

A few years ago, I was in charge a youth program. Although I was the person in charge, there was a group of people who would help me decide the events to run. I did not always agree with this group, though. One time, they decided that I should run a certain event. I stated that the event they wanted me to run was unacceptable and told them I prefer not to run it. For about 2 weeks, we went back and forth with everyone else telling me to run this event and me stating that I would not.

During the time of this disagreement, I went to a class and the Rav spoke the whole time about making peace with others. I listened closely and after the class was over I went to the Rav and said, “Thank you very much. Tonight’s class affected me in more ways than you think.” I then explained the disagreement I was having with the group of people. I told the Rav that because of his class, I would now make peace with them and agree to do the event. The Rav, who had just spoken for an hour about the great importance of making peace, became very serious and said to me that I should continue to refuse. In this case, I should have a dispute. The event they wanted me to run is inappropriate and I am correct in disagreeing with them.

Over the next few days and weeks, it got a little ugly, but I was constantly in touch with this Rav. I called him numerous times each day for advice. In the end, I did not run the event, and the group was not happy with me. I was almost kicked out of the position on the spot, but due to certain circumstances, I finished the year.

The good news is that I know who now runs this youth program and I asked him if anyone has asked him to run the type of event that I refused to run. He said he has never run into anything like that. Although some of the same people are still involved, it looks as though this event is no longer on the agenda.

Sometimes a person needs to battle with others. But if a person is battling with others, he must constantly be in contact with a knowledgeable Rav who can guide him. The Jews were not allowed to take part in an optional war unless the great Rabbis gave them permission. We are not allowed to get into disputes unless a Rav guides us. Peace is always what we should strive for.

Good Shabbos!
-yes
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